What the San Francisco Housing Authority does

The San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents in San Francisco. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays private landlords to rent units to people who meet income limits, and it administers waiting lists for public housing. SFHA also manages emergency rental information when funding is available, though that program opens and closes depending on state and federal money.

SFHA is separate from the city's Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, which handles shelter and permanent supportive housing. If you are looking for emergency shelter or transitional housing, you will need a different agency. SFHA's main job is to connect you with a rental subsidy or a public housing unit if you meet their income and residency rules.

Key Takeaways

  • SFHA administers Section 8 vouchers and public housing units; both require you to live in San Francisco and meet income limits based on household size.
  • The Section 8 waiting list is typically closed, and when it opens, thousands of people explore within days — check the SFHA website to see current status.
  • Public housing waiting lists are also long; SFHA prioritizes people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, and families with children.
  • SFHA's emergency rental information program is not permanent; it opens when state or federal funds arrive and closes when money runs out.
  • You can reach SFHA by phone at 415-715-3000 or visit their office at 1815 Egbert Avenue to ask about current programs and waiting list status.

Section 8 vouchers and how SFHA administers them

A Section 8 voucher is a federal subsidy that pays part of your rent directly to a landlord. SFHA holds the vouchers and decides who receives them. The voucher covers the difference between 30 percent of your income and the fair market rent for your unit — meaning you pay a portion and the voucher pays the rest, up to a limit set by the federal government.

To be considered for a Section 8 voucher through SFHA, you must be a San Francisco resident, have a household income at or below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI), and be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. The income limit varies by household size; for a single person it is lower than for a family of four. SFHA's website lists the current income limits, which change each year.

The Section 8 waiting list is almost always closed. When it does open — which happens irregularly, sometimes years apart — it fills within days. SFHA notifies the public through its website and local media. If you want to know when it might open, call 415-715-3000 and ask; staff can tell you whether applications are being taken.

Public housing units managed by SFHA

SFHA owns and operates public housing developments across San Francisco. These are apartment buildings where SFHA is the landlord. Rent is set at 30 percent of your household income, so it adjusts if your income changes. Public housing is permanent — you do not lose it if you find work or your circumstances improve, though your rent will increase.

Public housing waiting lists are also long and typically closed. When SFHA does accept applications, it prioritizes people who are currently homeless, people with disabilities, and families with children. You must meet the same income and residency rules as Section 8: San Francisco resident, income at or below 50 percent of AMI, and may be able to access citizenship or immigration status.

The process process for public housing involves submitting a form, providing proof of income and residency, and waiting for your name to reach the top of the list. Wait times can be several years. Call SFHA to ask whether the public housing waiting list is currently open and what documents you will need to bring.

Emergency rental information from SFHA

SFHA sometimes administers emergency rental information with money from the state or federal government. This program pays landlords directly to cover rent you already owe (arrears) or, in some cases, future rent if you are at when ready risk of eviction. The program is not permanent — it runs only when funding arrives and closes when the money is spent.

When emergency rental information is available, SFHA prioritizes people who are behind on rent, have received an eviction notice, or are at risk of homelessness. You typically need to provide a signed lease, proof of income, and documentation of the hardship. Processing takes two to six weeks.

To find out whether emergency rental information is currently open, call SFHA at 415-715-3000 or visit their website. You can also dial 211 (a free referral line) and ask whether rental information is available in San Francisco right now. Do not assume the program is open — many months it is not.

Income limits and what counts as income

SFHA uses income limits to decide who can receive vouchers or public housing. The limit is set as a percentage of the area median income (AMI) for San Francisco. For most SFHA programs, the limit is 50 percent of AMI. This means a single person's income must be below a certain dollar amount, a family of two must be below a higher amount, and so on.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and unemployment benefits. It does not include one-time payments like tax refunds or gifts. SFHA will ask you to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements to verify your income. If your income is above the limit, you will not be considered, even if you are on the waiting list.

Income limits change each year because they are tied to the area median income. SFHA publishes updated limits on its website each spring. If you are close to the limit, ask SFHA staff to calculate your household's income using their method — sometimes what counts as income is different from what you expect.

Residency requirements and who can explore

You must be a San Francisco resident to explore for SFHA programs. This typically means you have lived in San Francisco for at least one year, though SFHA can make exceptions for people experiencing homelessness. You will need to prove residency with a lease, utility bill, or other document showing your name and a San Francisco address.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status. may be able to access statuses include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and some other categories. SFHA will ask for proof of citizenship or immigration status — usually a passport, green card, or I-94 document. If you are unsure whether your status qualifies, call SFHA and ask before you explore.

If you are currently homeless, SFHA may waive the one-year residency requirement. You will still need to show that you have some connection to San Francisco — for example, that you have been sleeping there, receiving services there, or have family there. Bring whatever documentation you have.

How to contact SFHA and what to expect

SFHA's main phone line is 415-715-3000. Staff can tell you whether waiting lists are open, what documents you need, and what the current income limits are. Call during business hours (usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday). Wait times can be long, especially early in the week.

SFHA's office is located at 1815 Egbert Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124. You can visit in person to pick up applications, ask questions, or submit documents. Some services may require an appointment; call ahead to confirm. If you have a disability and need accommodations (such as an interpreter or accessible entrance), tell SFHA when you call.

SFHA also has a website where you can find current income limits, waiting list status, and downloadable applications. The website address is in the phone directory or can be found by searching "San Francisco Housing Authority" online. Check the website first to see whether the program you are interested in is currently accepting applications — this saves you a phone call.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Section 8 voucher or public housing unit?

Wait times vary widely. For Section 8, people on the waiting list can wait three to five years or longer, depending on how many vouchers become available. For public housing, wait times are often similar or longer. SFHA cannot tell you exactly when your turn will come, but you can call and ask approximately how many people are ahead of you on the list.

What if I am homeless — does that change my chances?

Yes. SFHA prioritizes people experiencing homelessness for public housing. You may also be able to waive the one-year residency requirement. However, you will still need to meet income limits and have may be able to access immigration status. Call SFHA and explain your situation; they can tell you what documents to bring and whether you may have access to for priority.

Can I use a Section 8 voucher in a different city?

No. A Section 8 voucher issued by SFHA can only be used to rent in San Francisco. If you move out of San Francisco, you lose the voucher. Some other cities have their own housing authorities with their own waiting lists, but you would need to explore to them separately.

What happens if my income increases after I get a voucher or public housing?

If you have a Section 8 voucher, your rent will increase — you will pay more and the voucher will pay less. If you have public housing, your rent will also increase to 30 percent of your new income. You do not lose the housing, but you will pay more each month. This is why some people stay in public housing even after their income rises — the rent is still tied to what you earn.

Is there a fee to explore for SFHA programs?

No. SFHA does not charge a fee to explore for Section 8 vouchers, public housing, or emergency rental information. If someone asks you for money to help you explore, that is a scam. SFHA staff and applications are free.